A Look Inside Modes
(Modes and Chord-shapes within)
By Carl Snow and Marc Read
In this lesson we are going to take a look at some different mode’s as well as the chord shapes inside them. It’s very important for your rhythm playing to learn the notes and scales that surround your chords; just as, conversely, it is of great import to know the chords that are inside your scales when playing leads.
There are 7 modes or degrees of the Major Scale. Inside these 7 modes or degrees are barred versions of 5 major open chords. These chords are also commonly called folk chords.
Home work
In this lesson I want you to learn all seven modes, with the lowest note on the E string being F. While doing this, also find and play the barred ‘open chords’. DO NOT start with ‘E’! You will need to see the full layout and this will not happen if you’re starting with the open E string.
Listed below are all modes or 7 degree’s of the Major scale. If there is a chord within that mode another diagram with the chord will be displayed with grey dots.
Ionian Mode - (contains ‘E’ Shape)
Dorian Mode – (contains ‘D’ Shape)
Phrygian Mode – (contains ‘C’ Shape)
Lydian – No “Shape”
Mixolydian – (contains ‘A’ Shape)
Aeolian (Natural Minor) Mode – (contains ‘G’ Shape)
Locrian– No “shape”
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Download A Look At Modes
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